Chronic Migraine Sufferers: Botox May Help
The FDA recently approved the use of Botox Injection
(onabotulinumtoxinA) for the prevention of chronic migraines. Typically a
physician administers Botox every 12 weeks by injecting multiple areas
around the head and neck in order to dull the symptoms of future headaches.
The effects of the injections are said to last up to 3 months. This
novel indication for Botox gives individuals who experience chronic migraines
a new preventative option from which they might benefit without
the burden of taking daily medications. Medication overuse is a common
concern in chronic migraine sufferers and can even complicate headaches.
Stopping these medications and treating the withdrawal symptoms with
alternatives may be helpful. Following physican directions regarding medication
is imperative.
About 3.2 million people in the U.S. are thought to suffer from chronic
migraines. People with chronic migraines experience them during most
days of the month (15 days or more) for four hours a day or longer. The
pain is often accompanied by nausea, sensitivity to light or sound, and
sometimes vomiting.